Dawn City, First Combat Command Center.
Slam.
The chessboard was struck with such force that countless chess pieces trembled and scattered everywhere.
"Oh my, why are you so angry? I've already told you, you need to learn to cultivate yourself and remain calm. Do you plan to lose your temper like this on the battlefield when facing the Ancient God Clan's schemes? You're hailed as the modern Bai Qi, commanding over a hundred thousand nano warriors—your joys and sorrows must remain unseen!" Huai Yin said with a cheerful smile.
"Do you even deserve to calm me down?"
Commander Lu's face was cold as he asked icily, "I suppose you've fooled me again, haven't you?"
Huai Yin sighed, "How many times have you been tricked by our fellow disciples since childhood? Just accept your fate."
They were all from humanity's Golden Age, causing mischief together since they were young—stealing chickens, climbing onto rooftops to cause trouble.
The President often lamented back then that between Qing and Chi, they had over eight hundred Heart Eyes combined.
As for young Lu, he was too naïve, and would likely remain that way when grown up.
It turned out they were right.
"Are you joking about my daughter?"
Commander Lu's icy eyes glinted sharply.
"Not exactly. While I've seen through Chi's plan, I wouldn't just stand by and let your daughter die. After all, I quite like that little girl. If the plan proceeds smoothly, I'll have her fake her death in the Sea of Eternal Life, then place her in some mysterious place. After that, I'll watch as you completely lose your temper and turn against your master."
Huai Yin fiddled with the chess pieces. "Once the Ether Association falls into complete chaos, your master will have no choice but to make a move."
Commander Lu's expression softened slightly as he spoke coldly. "The President has a student like you—what sins did she commit in her past life? Do you really want to see her dead that badly?"
"After all, there's a saying: 'No destruction, no creation.'
Huai Yin said indifferently, "As long as she doesn't die, the order won't collapse. Do you believe it? The Transcendent order of the human world, established over two thousand years ago, has already become a shackle hindering humanity's progress."
"Unfortunately, when I watched Zhang Xuzhi hold those documents, who would've thought he'd be so useless? Despite being a Sixth Rank Domain King, he couldn't even handle a group of youngsters. I have to admit, my student is exceptionally clever—he spotted the signs so quickly and has made remarkable progress in his skills."
He chuckled. "And he even gained a stunning wife."
Commander Lu frowned. "What wife?"
"It's best that you don't know, or you might be scared to death,"
Huai Yin looked up at the sky. "Throughout history, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone braver than him."
Knock, knock.
There was a knock at the door.
Commander Lu, realizing who it was, showed no sign of warmth. "Come in."
Huai Yin turned his head to look, and the door opened. Under the lights stood a tall, upright figure.
"Commander Lu, Mr. Huai."
Rhein, dressed in a crisp white suit, had his hair slicked back and tied in a neat ponytail. His sharp-featured face was devoid of any expression, and his twin golden pupils exuded authority.
He made no move to enter, merely sitting at the doorway.
Commander Lu said nothing; after all, he was not on good terms with the Judgement Court.
Huai Yin, however, smiled and said, "Impatient? I know you're anxious, but the worst part is yet to come."
Rhein stared at the old man with a blank expression and said, "I heard my father once say that the worst people in the world are Qing and Chi, but having never lived in that era, I didn't understand. Now that I've met you, I finally see it. The entire world views the Judgement Court as extreme, willing to do anything for personal gain."
"I admit, in order to acquire the power of the Heavenly Person and ascend to the President's position, I did exploit the rules to their utmost, committing many ruthless acts for power."
He paused. "But I feel that I still fall short compared to you."
Commander Lu commented, "That much is true."
Huai Yin smiled faintly. "The issue lies in the fact that the intelligence wasn't leaked by me—it was clearly Chi's people who sent it out. What does it have to do with me? You realized the questionable origins of that information back then, but after verification, you still chose to proceed with the mission. You made the choice."
Rhein remained silent.
"Even though Chi is already dead, I'm the only one in the world who can deal with him."
Huai Yin sighed. "In truth, I bear no ill will toward your lineage. Seeking ultimate power and distorting right and wrong is the most common political maneuver. Especially you, as a young child—you have great talent. The problem is you're too much like your foolish father. Don't become the second generation 'King of Fools.'"
Fury flashed like a storm in Rhein's golden eyes. "Is that so?"
"Look at you, I'm saying you and your father are both foolish, yet you obviously want to challenge me but must suppress yourself for the greater good. This is precisely why Thunder doesn't like you,"
Huai Yin sighed. "Your plan is good. After the Blood Moon Slaughter Incident, the Night Watchers suffered a devastating blow and could never regain the President's trust. The Judgement Court has monopolized power, consolidating factions while purging internal dissidents. It's barely passable."
"As for Thunder, you've known from the start that she's the chosen one. If your master's research into Heavenly Personification succeeds, it will undoubtedly fall upon her, as she is the most suitable host for the Heavenly Person's Wedge. Especially since she has another side—a path created by Bai Ze Venerable—not entirely a success, but it forges an unconventional path."